Dengue Fever Outbreak in the Americas: Over 3.5 Million Cases Reported

Dengue fever is spreading in the Americas, with more than 3.5 million cases of infection reported so far and 1,039 patients dying. The number of infections in the Americas is expected to hit a record high this year.

In the first three months of this year, it was three times that of the same period last year.

Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Americas, pointed out that the Americas reported 4.5 million dengue cases throughout last year, and the number in the first three months of this year was already last year’s. Three times that of the same period, “this may be the most severe dengue season in the Americas so far.” Since dengue fever usually breaks out during the rainy season, which is still months away, the number of infections this year is expected to break records.

Dengue is surging across the Americas early this year from Puerto Rico to Brazil, and some areas are reporting dengue for the first time, officials said.

— NBC4 Washington (@nbcwashington) March 29, 2024

Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina are the worst affected

PAHO said most cases are currently concentrated in South America, with Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina accounting for 92% of all cases and 87% of deaths. Among them, Brazil has reported more than 2.96 million cases this year, equivalent to 1.4% of the total population, the highest since the country began counting in 2000, and 758 deaths.

Rhonda Sealey-Thomas, assistant director of PAHO, said that more than 25,000 cases have been reported in the Caribbean, with French Guiana, Martinique Island, Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic being affected. Serious impact.

The epidemic may be “about to begin” and many countries have entered a state of emergency

The U.S. territory of Puerto Rico declared a dengue fever pandemic on the 25th, with more than 540 cases reported and at least 341 people hospitalized. What is worrying is that some local areas are currently experiencing a moderate drought, and August is the rainiest month. The epidemic may be “about to begin.” Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, also declared a public health emergency before Carnival last month, while Peru did the same for most provinces, with other countries following suit.

Dengue vaccine supplies are limited

Dr. Sylvain Aldighieri of PAHO said that there are four different dengue viruses circulating in the Americas and we must be prepared for this. Some countries have released specially bred mosquitoes containing a bacterium called Wolbachia to fight dengue fever. Barbosa pointed out that the supply of the new dengue fever vaccine is limited and two doses must be injected three months apart. Officials are observing the actual effect of the vaccine. As for the single-dose vaccine, it will not be available until next year.

A measles case reappeared in Tokyo, Japan. A man in his 20s went to see a doctor with a fever. Unexpectedly, he was not diagnosed with measles. He was diagnosed after traveling to Shinjuku and Chiyoda Ward for several days.

“Nihon Shimbun” reported that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government stated that the man had a fever and went to the hospital for treatment on March 10, but the doctor did not diagnose that he was infected with measles at the time. It was not until the man developed a rash that he went to the hospital later, and it was not confirmed until the 18th. Infection with measles. This case is the fourth case of measles infection in Tokyo since 2024.

It is understood that the man flew back from Southeast Asia in late February. He dined at a restaurant in Shinjuku District on March 10 and went to a fast food restaurant in Chiyoda District on March 12. The man is currently recovering in isolation at home and his condition is stable. Authorities said they could not yet determine the source of the man’s infection. In addition, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government also pointed out that in March, an Osaka woman in her 20s who had visited Tokyo was diagnosed, and another boy under 5 years old living in Tokyo was diagnosed. The three infection routes were different. There are different.

[Homesick Satellite 2024]
This is a notice regarding a report of measles infection at the Osaka performance of “BUMP OF CHICKEN TOUR Homesick Satellite 2024” and a warning for future performances. pic.twitter.com/KRY9hHgIo6

— BUMP OF CHICKEN (@boc_official_) March 18, 2024

On the other hand, the management company of the popular Japanese band “BUMP OF CHICKEN” also announced that an audience member was diagnosed with measles at the Osaka Castle Auditorium on March 6 after watching the band’s concert. The company appealed to those who attended the concert that day. Audiences must seek medical advice if they develop symptoms such as fever or rash.

2024-04-01 06:20:35

#million #people #Americas #infected #dengue #fever #people #died #countries #hardest #hit #areas